2018

“This is as good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Right away the gorgeous crème de violette and crème de cassis tones join blackberry cordial, exotic spices and dark chocolate shavings. The combination of finesse and texture is downright scintillating. Sweet pipe tobacco is woven together with Black Forest cake, and fresh blueberries and graphite with shades of tar take shape on the palate. Truly sensational even at the three year mark, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next 20 plus years. Drink 2021-2040”

This is now the second time in the past six months that I have had the opportunity to try the gorgeous 2018 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon which marks the 40th vintage of this iconic Washington wine. This edition is as good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Right away the gorgeous creme de violette and creme de cassis tones alongside blackberry. cordial, exotic spices with dark chocolate shavings that all take shape in the glass. The pillowy texture provides an exotic appeal. The finesse is just incredible here as it effortlessly glides cross the mid-palate. Over more time the seamless texture becomes even more pronounced. Sweet pipe tobacco and creme de cassis flavors are woven together with Black Forest Cake, fresh blueberries and graphite with shades of tar take shape on the palate. Truly sensational even at the two year mark, the 2018 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2022-2040

“Another magical Cabernet Sauvignon from this team, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley comes from a blend of sites and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up mostly in new French oak. This vivid purple-hued beauty offers a kaleidoscope-like array of red and black currants, spice box, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and assorted tobacco and leafy herb nuances. These carry to full-bodied Cabernet with incredible purity of fruit, building tannins and structure, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish that won’t quit. It should keep for 20-25 years with no issues.

This is unquestionably another brilliant set of releases from Quilceda, and these 2018s show the classic opulence this estate is known for backed up by beautiful purity and lots of underlying structure.”

“The 2018 vintage marks the 40th Anniversary for Quilceda Creek, and the Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is another absolutely thrilling release to add to the long list of sensational wines this iconic Washington Estate is known for. As this slowly begins to unwind in the glass it releases gorgeous aromas of blackberries, dark plums and Creme de cassis that are accented by graphite, violets, herbs, sweet spices and mocha which all take shape beautifully. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated and incredibly fresh, with a round polished texture and a dense layered core of ripe dark fruits that expands seamlessly into the lavish finish. While the 2018 is already stunning to drink in its youth, it should ultimately go on to have a brilliant future ahead and evolve gracefully for at least two decades.”

“The capsule of the 2018 celebrates the 40th vintage, otherwise unnoted specifically to keep the consistency of the label. The nose is soft and delineated with lifted dark red and black fruit essences that waft with a delicate floral lift. Showing a softer and compact frame that delivers fine and focused aromas, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon packs complex layers in the nose, with a fresh bouquet of red and purple flowers, violets, lilac and sakura before overflowing with a fruit bowl of aromatics, including black raspberry, black cherry and juicy plum with blackberry nuances, all shining through with a thoughtful frame of French oak tones. Medium to full-bodied at 14.8% alcohol, the palate bursts with precision and finesse and there’s an elegant frame that offers lively acidity and succulent, fine-grained tannins. The 40th vintage marks a brilliant success for Quilceda Creek, attaining a lighter chassis that captures the same magic without being overly generous. The 2018’s tighter frame has allowed the wine to express layers of beautiful dark red fruit flavors and supple oak spices that make the wine slightly spicy with cinnamon essence while offering the same precision without any sacrifices to the overall experience. Ultimately, the wine glides to a remarkably long and textured finish that will last for a couple of decades. Bravo! This is another successful vintage for Quilceda Creek. Run, don’t walk to get this into your cellar!”

“This is really gorgeous with crushed berries, currants and dark chocolate. Really aromatic. It’s full-bodied and soft with precise tannins and great length. Such polish and balance. Plush and focused. Lovely freshness. Subtle and complex. Sophisticated. Beautiful center palate. Pure cabernet sauvignon. So drinkable now, but will age nicely.”